Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals We try not to concentrate too much on the cost when it comes to new air cooling units. We know that a new AC unit can save you money over time in energy savings by itself.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few things to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is one of the biggest factors that influences the price of your new air conditioner. The bigger your house the more powerful (and more expensive) unit you’ll require to cool it effectively. The smallest units can be around one-and-a-half tons or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require is contingent on the layout of your home and the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and many more. The best way to determine exactly what size of unit you require is to have an expert conduct a heat load calculation known as a Manual J. The calculation considers your home’s size, number of windows and doors, the amount and duration of sunlight and the height of the ceilings, and many more.
You’ll also want to determine if you want one-stage or multi-stage systems. This could have an impact on the cost. Single-stage models are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, however they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment used will affect the overall cost, since variable speed machines tend to be more expensive than standard single-speed machines.
In addition it is essential to have your ductwork tested prior to installing a new air conditioner to ensure that it is properly sized. A faulty duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, over use of energy and a variety of other issues.
The wrong size of an AC unit will also result in higher repair costs over time. An over-sized unit will strain and work harder to keep your home cool, which causes it to wear down more quickly and need repairs more frequently. On the other hand, a smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t be able to effectively cool your house during scorching hot days. You may even end with a system that doesn’t work at all. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is important since you can reduce your cooling expenses by significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity required to accomplish a particular task, which is measured in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. It’s important to note that the size of your home and the fluctuations in temperature can affect the efficiency rating of the appliance but it’s not always a direct reflection of the appliance itself.
While you’ll see that the newer models are rated higher, they don’t always operate at their maximum capacity. Due to wear and age older air conditioners with an SEER rating of 13 are likely to be operating more closely to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can help you save significant amounts of money in the course of a single year. For example, if you upgrade your 10-SEER model to one that has 14 SEER ratings and you save $908 worth of electricity annually.
Energy-efficient units can also be operated quietly, which is another advantage for homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest design and compressor technology to ensure peaceful, silent operation.
Price is certainly a factor in your decision-making process, but you should also be aware that the price of your new unit will likely surpass its initial purchase price over the course of its lifetime. A more expensive model that’s efficient enough to be able to pay for itself over the years is an excellent investment for your family. Talk to a professional such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure you select the right model for your budget and your home. We’ll be able find the ideal air conditioner to meet your needs. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
It is crucial to select an air conditioner that will perform at its best for the entire lifespan of the unit. A good HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC you invest in is the perfect fit to your home and you’ll get the most efficient performance from it, which will help you reduce the energy bills over time.
When you’re comparing models for air conditioners it’s a good idea to consider whether they come with additional features that you might like or require. Certain ACs are, for instance, utilize advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than other models. This is a feature that those who reside in noisy urban areas or who want to reduce their energy bills will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options may also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. Numerous manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to purchase the product they are interested in. Ask your trusted heating and cooling company if they have any special offers or discounts.
The warranty will also play an important role in determining the price of your new air conditioner. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. A warranty extended may appear expensive at first however it will to ensure you are secure knowing your new air conditioner is protected for the long term.
Your total new air conditioner cost will also include the cost of installation. It is essential to employ an experienced, certified technician to perform the installation, as doing it yourself or using an unlicensed contractor could void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Consult your reliable HVAC company about financing options in case you don’t have the funds to cover the installation up front. Most of the top HVAC companies offer financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy bills are increasing, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners use less energy and provide a variety of other benefits.
The first step to find out the cost of a new AC system will cost is to request quotes from HVAC contractors. The estimates should include the cost of the AC unit as well as the installation cost for a total project cost. The cost of an air conditioner is contingent on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You’ll also have to decide if you’d like a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that adjust efficiency and energy consumption according to cooling needs. The cost of a variable speed AC will also be higher than a conventional air conditioner with a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert can help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it will require to cool. A cooling system that is too small will not be able to provide the cooling requirements of your home while an air conditioner that is too large will use up energy and cost money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to consider after you have chosen the size. SEER ratings show how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Choosing an air conditioner with a high SEER rating can save you on utility bills over time. It is also possible to save on the initial cost by taking full advantage of rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in the region.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner it is important to hire a professional contractor to install. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your house and installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. Additionally, they’ll be there for you in the event of any problems arise with your new air cooling system. Contact us today if you want to save money on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with an efficient air conditioning system.